Kwak

To me, it's clear that the Twins are in a "win now" attitude: 1) The purpose of signing Hunter 2)keeping Escobar in the line-up someplace 3) the promotion of Buxton and Sano this season rather than delaying until next season which would have extended "team control" 4) keeping Arcia (and others) in the minors rather than "one last chance" him before placing others ahead of him (them) on the "List". All of these point to "Win Now"--therefore continue with that theme and acquire some real veteran talent and "roll with them".

I believe the Capps trade was made to quiet Gardenhire ("I can't manage without a closer..."). Non sequitar--"nor with one".

If the Twins "stand pat" (which includes adding some nondescript RP) everybody will be singing the chorus "same-old Twins", "Cheap-cheap-cheap", when there are several positions in need of clear improvement and the team is [apparently] headed to the playoffs. It will be the "aughts" all over again--"one and done".

Escobar was Ryan's preference to be the SS--he's got that!

Most teams suffer offensively at Catcher. On a relative basis the Twins aren't hurt as badly as they are at SS. Defensively, well to put it mildly the position isn't up to snuff. Suzuki is at least competent at C, whereas SS has been disappointing to say the least. Pitch framing by Suzuki? It doesn't seem to have been a concern this season. The bullpen failures aren't as a result of "poor pitch framing"--just "poor pitching". My point: on a relative match-up basis (position vs position) I am convinced the Twins suffer more at SS than Catcher. Sadly, I suspect the position the Twins are "worst" in comparison to others--is 1B.

SS

Escobar as SS? That shows that SS is a higher priority now. Last night's game won't be in his "highlight reel".

Let's take a step back. When the Twins recognized a need to find a regular Catcher, what did they do? When the Twins wore out the refrain of "Starting Pitching is the #1 problem", what did they do? Answer to both: they went to the free-agent market with checkbook in hand and bought players to address said problems. So, when it is time to get another Catcher--they open the checkbook and address the problem. Recall that promise that was made concerning why the Twins "needed" a new stadium? Having the money to solve problems was the #2 reason cited (behind keeping the "fan favorites"). So, I suggest they just spend the money and keep what "good" players they already have rather than trading.

A few years? Everybody is supposed to wait (a few years) for Arcia to develop into this slugger? Let me list: 1. The fans (and the owner) were tired of losing (waiting for the "prospects" to develop) so they invested big money to win now. 2. Arcia isn't the only OF option, there are plenty more. These guys are working hard (succeeding too!) seeking their opportunity to build a career and make the twins into a big winner. 3. Arcia has some serious flaws--he will never be sound at defense. He will never be "a speed guy" to steal bases (remember Billy Hamilton in the CIN series?). His splits versus LH pitchers (those LOOGYs) that seem to materialize from the 7th inning on? Arcia would watch his Bavg cut in half. 4. Arcia has spent part of three seasons in MLB. If he is to be provided with these years to develop, soon he will get very expensive (as well as out of "options"). Yet, Arcia is supposed to be awarded endless patience to develop--but everyone has to wait for him? Sorry just NO. Perhaps a change of scenery will help him immensely, perhaps not. But the Twins can't and shouldn't provide Arcia with endless patience--they have other prospects for the OF (and DH). Players who will either be much more rounded in their skills and thus versatile, or provide just as much power potential but have less MLB experience and can be still be developed in the minors. Arcia is not a potential Griffey Jr. much more like a V. Cruz (now with Balt). Let's face it some prospects never really live up to the hype. The Twins can't lose site of other prospects in the system to wait for Arcia.

Trades with the A's are far more likely when cash is included.

Absolutely. TD posters are wont to believe the Twins party line about prospects--but not the GMs of other MLB franchises. Both Arcia and Meyer would be viewed as busts (Meyer more so than Arcia). They wouldn't fetch anything more than an old nag in a trade. If the Twins truly believe they should acquire a high-upside Catcher, they will have to offer substantial compensation. Berrios plus one of the Pablos, and likely some pitching from Class A.

The twins have been shouting about the quality of their MiL System for several years. A very promising season is teetering--the promotions: Buxton, Sano, et al--are "up" to save this season and justify all of the hype about them. I wish them well, but they will have a tough row to hoe (sorry for that one) and the harvest might be bitter roots. We shall wish for the best. But the month of July is crucial, "June swoon" had better not be followed by "July poke-in-the-eye".

USWST wins 1-0.

You beat me to it. NO.

I think we found the winner on the "Who makes way for E. Santana when he returns Sweepstakes".

As opposed to the actual Johan Santana trade?

People still use AOL?

Why? They had to convince Mauer to leave catcher for that oh so safe position of 1B (Morneau)? But it must be fine for others to take the risk at catcher?

I like Rosario--but then I liked how well Santana hit last year (not his CF defense though). This year? Is Rosario 2015's Santana? Then does he become next year's 2015 Santana? Hmm. Panic (like every year) and rotate several players in the OF? Ugh. The Mauer problem can be solved by...splitting duty at Catcher next year with Suzuki. Spot play at 1B and DH to ensure he plays every home game and plenty of road games. Concussion issue? Wait! Wouldn't everybody have a concussion issue at Catcher? Besides there are only three years left (after 2015) on his contract. That seems like an acceptable risk of injury to me. Back to the OF discussion. NO to Mauer, Sano, Santana, Escobar, and the rest of the infielders. There simply are plenty of options (OK, not perfect options) to man the OF--use them. Yes to (first Arcia). I know he can't defend any better than an Iron Mike, but it's just too soon to give up on him. That time will also permit Kepler, and the rest of the MiL gang to "age" some more and see which of them should be the first to replace Arcia should (when?) he fails. Hicks is my #4 OF. Did I forget Hunter, Shafer, and Robison? Yes. I sang each of them my rendition of "Happy Trails to You".

Frame this quote about Mauer's mistake(s) at 1B--then move it to any of the Sano threads. Include a discussion about the difficulty of playing Catcher and the skills required there and how well that would translate to another infield position.

My guess is that Hicks goes to the IR. It also avoids the awkwardness of Friday's game-deciding hit to CF, Buxton's promotion to starting CF, and the Twins' losing streak/probable collapse.

ABW faces the same problem all of the top prospects (other than Buxton): their defense is spotty and limited, there are several of them, and Joe Mauer. Mauer is going to play somewhere. Other positions are taken. Mauer will have three years left on his contract after this season. I think the Twins might accept the risk of Mauer's final two years as a catcher. Say 80-90 games as a C, some as a DH, some at 1B, some as a PH. The some will be determined by the success of the prospects at a position. ABW's situation can be managed by adding him to the 40-man roster this fall and playing in Rochester all of 2016. By Spring of 2017, much change should have happened to clear up his situation. The matter of trades, free-agent losses (or additions) will be a huge factor. But, ABW needs to learn to control the K-zone better, improve his OBP, and improve his defense. If he could become a tolerable OF (on defense) he would help himself immensely.

Sounds like the front office debate concerning players and prospects.

Forgotten in the discussion--playing a position adequately.

The best I can conceive is that their plan is to trade him.